In Memoriam: Eddie Williams

Edward “Eddie” Williams, 90, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on January 13th, 2025. Williams was born March 5, 1934, in Durham, NC.

Eddie Williams, Buckner HeavyLift

The best place to start when telling the story of Eddie Williams is with his love for his wife Pat. The couple met at ages 12 and 13 during their church’s annual holiday pageant. Their incredible love story spanned over 74 years together.

He grew up on a farm in Chapel Hill where he, along with his brother Buddy Williams, cultivated their love for nature, growing things and maybe a little bit of mischief. He attended NC State University and became a lifelong fan. At age 19, Williams went to work for his wife’s father at Buckner Steel Erection, starting his career in the field as a rodbuster, ironworker and crane operator. He became a true corporate leader of his industry, according to his obituary. He was a pillar in many industry organizations, and was a founder of Steel Erectors Association of America. He was the only non-engineer to ever be awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by American Institute of Steel Construction and he worked tirelessly for the American Subcontractors Association. He received The Order of The Longleaf Pine from the Governor of North Carolina.

Williams and his company were the driving force behind erecting such notable projects like the UNC Dean Dome, the Carolina Panthers Stadium and many other collegiate and professional stadiums. The nation is covered with hospitals, offices, industrial plants and complex structures that he built and influenced. Buckner HeavyLift Cranes became the third largest crane rental company in the world. He was also critical in the creation of many modern construction safety laws and contracting practices.

“Eddie was the real example of loving what you do, he never truly retired and was an active, important participant of weekly office meetings until his death,” the obituary said. “His commercial, business impact on the steel industry is only exceeded by the amount of friends he made along the way.”

Williams’ main joy came from time spent with his family. His children Teri and Doug came first, followed by five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren who all adored him. Quiet time with Grandpa often meant a stroll through the apple trees, fresh turnips as afternoon snacks or new landscape features in the backyard. 

“Eddie was always a calm presence with his kindness and gentleness leading the way,” according to the Donaldson Funerals obituary. “If you asked him, he would probably credit some of this to his strong faith. That faith became personified in his decades long involvement at Mount Carmel Baptist Church. Both Eddie and Pat are lifelong congregation members and supporters of the church. Eddie could be found many days volunteering, singing in the choir or helping with church projects.”

Eddie was preceded in death by his parents John Seaton and Hattie Suitt Williams, his sister Nancy Williams Hundley, his brother Charles “Buddy” Williams, his son-in-law Paul Atkins and his grandson Bryan Atkins. He is survived by his wife Patricia Williams of Chapel Hill, NC, daughter Teri Atkins of Durham, NC, son Doug Williams (spouse Claire Haslam) of Chapel Hill, NC, NC, grandson Chris Atkins (spouse Sam Atkins), great granddaughter Madison Atkins of Durham, NC, Nic Atkins (spouse Jo Atkins) great grandson Brody Strange of Timberlake, NC, granddaughter Meredith Holst (spouse Trevor Holst) of Durham, NC and granddaughter Kathleen Williams (spouse Joel Rust) of Chapel Hill, NC.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given to the Mount Carmel Baptist Church Building Fund. To contribute text “MCBC1803” to 73256 to give using your mobile device. In the dropdown, select Eddie Williams Memorial or mcbc1803.org/give and click donate - select Eddie Williams Memorial in the dropdown.

Visitation will be at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, Friday, January 17, 2025, at 12:30PM. The funeral service will be at 2PM with Rev. Barret Freeman, presiding and a graveside service to follow.